Domestic laundering machines



July 1, 1958 A. LODGE 2,841,250

DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES Filed NOV. 8, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet l Snventor ALVIN Lone:

V (Ittomeg A. LODGE DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES July 1, 1958 7 Sheets- Shee't 2 Filed Nov. 8, 1954 Snventor A LVI N LODGE Gttorneg July 1, 1958 A. LODGE DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 8, 1954 FIG. 4

3maentor ALVIN LODGE.

A. LODGE DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES Jul 1, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 8, 1954 Zhwento:

ALVIN LODGE f attorney y 1, 1958 A. LODGE 2,841,260

DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES Filed Nov. 8, 1954 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIELB F'IG.8

Snoentor ALVIN LODGE Gttomeg y 1, 1953 A. LODGE 2,841,260

DOMESTIC LAUNDERING MACHINES Filed Nov. 8, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 F'IE.I7

INVENTOR. ALVIN LODGE 19% rag Patented July 1, 1958 noMEsrrc LAUNDERING MACHINES Alvin Lodge, Erie,

Pa., assignor to Blackstone Corporation, Jamestown,

This invention relates to improvements in a domestic washing machine of the type in which a single receptacle is utilized for the operations of washing, rinsing, and centrifugally drying clothes, and is a refile of my abandoned application, Serial No. 277,474, filed March 19, 1952. More particularly, the invention is directed to structural features having to do with the operation of drying clothes.

Although single receptacle domestic washing machines have been in use for many years, it is believed that suificient attention has not heretofore been directed to such structural and design features as would render them entirely satisfactory for their intended purpose. Of all the laundering operations, the most difiicult one involves that of centrifugally drying the clothes. In this operation, a receptacle, containing a generally unevenly distributed load of wet clothes, is intended to rotate at a sufi'iciently high rate of speed to effect a required degree of dryness. Such rotation, of course, is accompanied by a considerable amount of vibration, not only of the unbalanced receptacle, but of the machine in its entirety. Many expedients have been employed for the purpose of reducing vibration of the receptacle, or preventing such vibration from being transmitted to the supporting structure. By way of example, these expedients include anchoring the machine to a prepared base, springing the receptacle support within a cabinet, or providing rubber mounts as between the cabinet and the receptacle support. Although in some instances the intensity or extent of critical vibration has been reduced, this has been largely due to the fact that the supporting parts were of extremely rugged construction. The inclusion of extra heavy supporting parts for a domestic machine is objectionable for the reason that the machine must not only be initially readily transportable, but should be of such weight and proportions as to enable it to be moved about for most convenient operative location. by the user. Furthermore, current domestic machines are limited in size in order that they may be contained within cabinets so proportioned as to conform to other kitchen or laundry appliances, such as storage cabinets and clothes dryers. Commercial machines, as distinguished from domestic machines, can readily be constructed of sufficiently heavy or rugged parts as to overcome any uneven load distribution in a centrifugally drying receptacle. Also, commercial machines may be operated from a remote power source, thus enabling provision of adequate power to operate the heavier and more rugged mechanisms.

The present invention is, therefore, primarily directed to the provision of a single receptacle washing machine in which a receptacle, containing an unevenly distributed weight, can be rotated at such speed as to efifect any desired drying of the clothes therein without appreciable vibration due to the fact that the center of gravity of the operating parts actually or nearly coincides with the center of rotation throughout such an operation, and this, therefore, constitutes one of the principal objects.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a single receptacle machine in which the required supporting and operative parts are so arranged as to serve as a part of the ballast in order to effect a smooth spin drying operation.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of a machine in which a substantial part of the driving mechanism is incorporated into the base of the receptacle and serves as a part of the ballast therefor.

A further object of the invention lies in the provision of a driving mechanism for a receptacle that is so designed as to enable use of a relatively low rate power unit.

Another and further object of the invention lies in the provision of driving means for the receptacle that includes a clutch mechanism automatically operable to gradually bring the receptacle up to required rotational speed for a spin drying operation.

A still further object of the invention lies in the provision of means forming a part of the drive mechanism that is operable to raise the receptacle into position for a spin drying operation and lower said receptacle upon completion of such an operation into an at rest position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the fol lowing specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a cabinet enclosed washing machine in which one form of the present invention is embodied, a part of the side wall of said cabinet being broken away to disclose the location of the parts of the inventive structure.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the central portion of the receptacle base and mounting therefor, the receptacle being shown in an at rest or seated position;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and shows the position of the parts when the receptacle has been raised into position for a spinning operation;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially as indicated by the line 44 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, with parts broken away to show certain of the details of the clutch mechamsm;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 and shows centrifugal Weights in the position they occupy prior to the recepta- 1 cles reaching full speed rotation;

Fig. 7 is a View similar to Fig. 6 and shows the position of the weights when the receptacle is rotating at desired speed;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the clutch mechanism, being partly broken away and sectioned to show the relationship of the clutch parts when the receptacle is in spinning position;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 and shows the position of certain of the clutch parts when the receptacle is in at rest position;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figs. 8 and 9 and shows certain of the operative parts during transition from at rest to spin positions;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the position of certain of the .clutch parts at the start of rotation of the receptacle, being taken substantially as suggested by the line 1111 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11, showing these parts in receptacle spin position (see Fig. 8);

Fig. 13 is a further view similar to Fig. 11, showing the position of these parts when the receptacle is at rest (see Fig. 9);

Fig. 14 is a greatly enlarged vertical sectional view of the operative parts of the clutch mechanism when the receptacle is at rest (see Fig. 2);

Fig. is a view-similar to Fig. 14, showing the rela tionship of the clutch parts when the receptacle is in spinning position (see Fig. 3);

Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective'view ofthejclutjch mechanism, 'a part of the enclosing pressure plate being brokenaway to show thelift' cup, and clutch disks; and

Fig. 1 7 is; a still' further enlarged perspective viewof i the structure shownwithin the pressure plate, in Fig. 16.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the referi ence numeral 10 is employed to generally designate 21 rectangular cabinet in which a single receptacle washing, 7 rinsing, and centrifugally drying machine, embodying the invention, is contained. The cabinet constitutes nopart V of the invention and is only illustrated for the purpose of disclosing the general proportions required to enclose the structure. The cabinet maybe considered as'divided into upper; and lower compartments 11 and 12, respectively, by a partition 13. This partitionis attached'in any' I The compartment 12 encloses the driving mechanism of 'thedevice. In the present instance, a suspension is provided for this'mechanis'm which takes the form of a series of rods '21, the upper and outwardly directed'ends offwhichv are attached in any suitable manner to the walls of the cabinet. The lower, inner ends of these rods project through flanges 22 of depending straps 23 that form part of a motor support. Blocks 24 have threaded engagement with the ends of the rods 21 and enable adjustment to provide balanced relationship between the motor'support and the cabinet. The straps 23, at their upper ends, are bent inwardly and permanently joined .by a plate 26 which forms 'atop or cover to the motor support. Secured to one of the straps 23 'is a bracket 27, the top and bottom. arms 28 of which are engaged with the end housings 29: of a motor 31. As shown in'the drawings, the motor 31' is vertically disposed with the drive shaft 32 thereof extending from the upper housing. Mounted on this shaft is a pulley 33. Another of the straps 23 supports a wate; pump 34. This pump includes a vertical shaft which carries a double pulley 36.

The lower portion of thispulley and pulley 33 are operatively connected by a belt 37.

The lower end of a tubular member 38 seats on the:

plate 26', being secured thereto by a series-of studs 39 which engage suitable laterallyextending bosses 41 A bearing'42 is located in the lower end of the tubular member beneath a sleeve 43. Extending-through the sleeve 43- is a drive shaft 44 that derives. axial support from bearing 42. The lower end of this. shaft projects beneath the plate 26 of the motor mount and carries a pulley 45. A belt 46'connccts pulley 45 with the upper portion of the doublepulley 36. Near the upper end, of the tubular member 38 is abearing47 which gives lateral support-to the sleeve 43. The upper end of the tubular member 38 includes an outer annular shoulder 48. j This shoulder provides support for the annular flanged rim' lfi of a plate 50. The upper surface of this plate mounts friction material 51 which will hereinafter be referred to as a brake disk. A clothes receptacle 52-- is located in the upper compartment 11. The bottom wall of this receptacle has a central opening that is defined by a de-* .pending annular flange 53; Fitting into this'opening, and seated on the flange, is the annular base 54 ofthe center post 56 of the receptacle. The post 56 may, as suggested a in Fig. 1 of the drawings, be filled or integrally weighted,

as at 57. Enclosing the post 56 is a hub 58, from which suitable agitator blades 59 extend ina generally radial direction. The agitator drive shaft 61 projects upwardly through the portion 57 and is connected with the post 58 within the cap 62. Inasmuch as the present invention is not directed to operation of the agitator, none of the details thereof are shown.

Dependingjrom the base 54 of the receptacle hub are end bearings 63 and 64 that receive the upper ends of pins 66, and 67 These pins relate to the drive mechanism for the agitator and are only shown and briefly described to render the general organization more complete. The base of the post 56 cooperates with a recessed member 68 V to provide a housing for certain operative parts of the The member 68, or base of the housing, 1n-

machine. cludes an annular rim 69 that is in the vertical plane of the flange 53. A suitable gasket:70 is interposed between the base 54, flange 53, and rim 69 to give a fluid-tight seal to the base of the receptacle 52. These parts are held together by studs .71; downwardly recessed area 72. Centrally of thebase. of this area isa depending collar 73. An annular dependent ledge 74 extends from this base, being in the vertical plane of the brake disk 51. Collar 73 receives the upper end of sleeve 43 and, shaft 44, extending beyond. the sleeve, projects upwardly intothe'housing. Adequate seal between the tubular member 38 and the collar 73 is provided by a seal 77. Opposite portions of members 68 have pockets 78 which serve as end bearingsfor the. lower ends of pins 66 and 67. The area 72 is relatively narrow but extends from one to the opposite side wall of member 68 (see Fig. 7).

recessed area 72 is located the entire clutch mechanism through which the motor 31 is enabled torotate the receptacle 52. The upper. end of the drive shaft 44 projects constitutes a part of the agitator clutch and drive mecha-' nism, As heretofore mentioned, this mechanism constitutes no partof the present invention and, therefore,- is neither shown nor described. Threads 84 mount a lift nut 86. This nut is, intended to move axially of the shaft,

as Well as to rotate with it dnring'certain parts of theoperation of the machine. The nut 86, as shown in Fig. 17, includes a vertical semicircular edge groove 87. A

combined lift cup and nut retainer 88 includes'a, top wall 7 89 that is centrally apertured, as at 91, 'to pass the pinion 83 therethrough. A vertical annular wall 92, depending from wall 89, includes an inwardly directed rib 93. Thewall 92 continues in a generally horizontal flange 94 and thence. into another vertical wall 96. Flange 94provides an interiorstep or annular shoulder against which the top of the nut 86 abuts. in a horizontal rim 97 which is non-continuous by reason of four uniformly distributed, radially outwardly extending ribs 98. V V 96. is formedwith an inwardly directed rib 9i. nut 86 is mounted in the retainer 88, the groove 87 receives rib 99-. Between the upper edge of the nut and the top wall 89 of the retainer 88 is suificient space to locate a split ring 101. This ring loosely encircles that portion of the pinion 83- that is within the retainer 88, the ends being formedto produce a pair of laterally extending arms 102; These arms extend almost to the vertical wall 92 and are intended, in operation of the mechanism, to contact the inwardly directed rib 93 of this wall from one side or the other. Also Within the upper part of the retainer 88', and directly. above the ring 101', is located a stop washer 103-. This washer-has a central opening Member 63incluoes a central,

Bosses 79 provide support'for a bridge member 81 which is held in place by studs 82.

Between the bridge member 81 and the base of the The verticalwall 96 terminates Intermediate two of these ribs, vertical wall ihen the proportioned to receive the teeth of the pinion 83 and includes a depending tab 104 that lies close to the ring and in the plane of the arms 102 thereof.

Two clutch disks 106 and 107 are provided. Each of these disks is centrally apertured to fit over the wall 96 of the retainer 33 and include lateral, semi-circular recesses on the edge of this opening to receive the radial ribs 98 of said retainer. In this manner these disks are made to rotate with the retainer but may, under certain circumstances, move axially with respect thereto. ln-terposed between the clutch disks 106 and 107 is a flat ring 103. The perimeter of the ring is provided with several uniformly distributed upstanding lugs 109, the end of each lug being formed with an inwardly directed dimple 111. A pressure plate 112 is provided and includes an annular flange 113 that seats on the uppermost clutch disk 107. Suitable notches 114, in the perimeter of the flange 113, receive the lugs 109. An annular vertical wall 116 extends upwardly from the flange 113 and terminates in a flat portion 117. This constitutes the top wall of the pressure plate and has a circular opening 118, the diameter of which is sufiicient to receive the upper portion of the retainer 88. In other words, the topwall 89 of the retainer is enabled to move into abutment with the central under surface of the bridge 81.

in the present disclosure the rim of the opening 118 is formed with four upstanding lugs 119. Each of these lugs includes inclined, cam-like surfaces 121. The cam surfaces 121 of all the lugs are inclined in the same direction. The top wall 117 also includes a series of arcuate slots 123, arranged on a common radius about the axis of rotation of the shaft 44. Headed pins 124 project through these slots and are anchored to the bridge 81 substantially as indicated by the numeral 126. These pins support the pressure plate 112 in a manner to permit limited vertical movement thereof toward or away from the bridge 81. The bridge 31 is formed with a series of armate slots 127, arranged in a common radius about the axis of the shaft 44. These slots are formed by cutting and bending out tabs 128, these tabs forming inclined cam surfaces for lugs 119. The details of this structure are clearly shown in Figs. 11 to 13, inclusive. Adjacent one end of each of the slots 123 of the top wall of the pressure plate is a depending hook 129 that is engaged by one end of a spring 131. The other end of thisspring is engaged with a suitable portion of the housing 68. It will be noted, from examination of Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, that two springs 131 are provided, being so arranged as to create tension in 'a common direction.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, attention is now directed to the provision of a pair of centrifugal weights 133. Each weight consists of a bent arm, one end of which is pivotally joined, as at 134, to the housing 68; the other or free end being return bent, as indicated at 136, to provide desired swingable weight. One end of a spring 137 is engaged with each weight, the other end being secured to the pressure plate 112. Springs 137 are so arranged as to cooperate with the springs 131, the manner of this cooperation being hereinafter fully described.

To fully understand the advantages of the structure above described, the following description of its operation and the relative positions of the various parts in volved in raising the receptacle, rotating it, and again lowering and stopping rotation, is set forth. Insofar as possible, the general disclosure of Fig. 1 represents the operative parts in position of rest. These operative parts are more clearly distinguishable in this position in Figs. 2, 5, 9, 13, and 14. It will be noted that the lift nut 86, carried by drive shaft 44, is approximately centrally the length of the threads 84 of the shaft and that the receptacle 52, through the member 68, rests upon and is supported by the brake disk 50. The combined lift cup and retainer 88 is out of contact with the bridge 81. The clutch disks 106, 107, ring 108, and the rim 113 of pressure plate 112 have the relationship shown in Fig. 14, this being determined by the fact that plate 112 and ring 108 are suspended by the headed pins 124. With the receptacle at rest, the springs urge the lugs 119 downwardly of the cam surfaces 128 (see Fig. 13). The top wall 89 of the lift cup is out of contact with the bridge 81, the space or gap therebetween being greater than the total spread of the disks 106, 107, and ring Arms 102 of ring 101, and tab 104 of washer 103 occupy the position shown in Fig. 9.

The motor 31 is started. The reduction drive pulleys and belts above described rotate shaft 44 in a clockwise direction for this particular operation. The first complete rotation of shaft 44 causes washer 103, keyed thereto, to rotate substantially from the position of Fig. 9 to that of Fig. 10. At this point the tab 104 thereof contacts one of the arms of the ring 101 and, upon a second rotation of the washer, causes the ring to make its first substantially complete revolution, at which point one of the arms thereof comes into contact with the opposite side of rib 93 (compare Figs. 9 and 8). Due to the frictional contact of the pressure plate 112 and ring 108 with the clutch disks 106 and 107, and the fact that the pressure plate is connected with the base of the receptacle, there is sufficient inertia in the nut 86, during the above described rotation of the washer and ring, to effect movement of the nut 86 upwardly of the threads 84 of the shaft. This upward movement of the nut first causes the disks and ring to apply upward pressure against the plate 112 by closing the space or gap therebetween. This plate, at this point, resists upward movement by reason of the spring and cam association. The lift cup also being raised continues its upward movement, causing contact of top wall 89 thereof with the central portion of the bridge, raises the bridge and thus moves the receptacle from off the brake disk 51.

Upon completion of this substantially two-turn relative rotation of shaft 44 and nut 86, the lift cup becomes directly driven by the shaft. Also, since the disks 106 and 107 are keyed to the lift cup, they also rotate at shaft speed. It will be noted that the lift cup has not only raised the bridge 81 but has also, the pressure plate 112. Consequently, the relationship of lugs 119 to cam surfaces 128, if the parts were stopped at this position, would be as shown in Figs. 2 and 15. The pressure plate 112 is, of course, urged to rotate, but since it is connected with the receptacle through springs 131, there is a sufiicient inertia against such rotation to stretch the springs 131. This change in relationship of the bridge 81 of the receptacle and the pressure plate causes the lugs 119 to move from the position of Fig. 2 to the position of Fig. 11. This change in position of the lugs, obviously, relieves the considerable frictional pressure contact as between the pressure plate, ring 108, and disks 106 and 107, and thus a certain measure of slippage occurs. This slippage is sufficient so that no excessive load is placed on the motor in the initial etfort to overcome the inertia of the loaded receptacle to rotation. However, there is sufficient pressure contact to start rotation of the pressure plate which, through springs 131, starts rotation of the receptacle. As the receptacle gains speed, torque transmitted by the clutch disks is maintained at a uniform value, since any tendency of the plate friction to vary is compensated by an increased clutch pressure due to springs 131 urging cams 119 down the inclined surfaces 128. This increases the frictional contact as between the pressure plate and the disks 106 and 107 -(see Fig. 12). In this manner, slippage is lessened and the receptacle continues to gain rotational speed. As the receptacle approaches full rotational speed, weights 133 are centrifugally urged to move about their pivots from the position of Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 7. This swinging movement of these weights stretches springs 137 and, since these springs are also joined to the pressure plate 112, they combine with springs 131 tourge lugs 119 further down the cam, surfaces 128 into the position shown in Fig. 13. Thus additional pressure is applied as between the plate 112 and the clutch disks. This additional pressure is' sufficient to'now effect 'a'substantiallydirect drive as between the shaft 44 and the receptacle 52.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the receptacle 52 is, in'efiect, towed or pulled about its axis by the springs 131 and 137.

evident that it would exert a drag and, possibly, do

If, for any reason, free rota-' tion-of the receptacle should be impaired, it will be tacle, and means forming part of said clutch for varying damage. to the motor 'or other driving parts. However,

the instant any. such drag of the receptacle occurs, the rotational speed of the receptacle is obviously slowed down, first allowing the weights 133, under the contract ing urge of springs 137, to move inwardly. The relieving of the tension of these springs places more of this 7 -load on springs 131 and, thus, springs 131 are'again, somewhat expanded; Theimm'ediate effect of this is to.

allow lugs 119 to ride upwardly of the cam surfaces 128, permitting the pressure plate to move upwardly and allow slippage of the clutch disks. 'Thus, although the shaft 44 may continue to rotate at full speed, no additional load is placed on the motor. In other Words, the drag of the receptacle conditions the clutch parts in substantially the same manner as they are conditioned at the commencement of the operation of bringingthe recep- J tacle up to desired rotating speed.

Upon completion of a spinning operation, the motor I 31 is shut off. The motor now .is driven by rotation of the receptacle and serves as a drag to such rotation.

Thus,the speed of the receptacle becomesincreasingly retarded. This drag of the motor is transmitted through shaft 4-; and, since this shaft carries the washer 103, the tab 194 thereof will have relative rotation with respect to the lift cup in a counter-clockwise direction.

One complete rotation of this washer causes the tab 104 thereof to pick up one of the arms 102 of the ring 101 e and causes this ring to have one substantially complete counter-clockwise rotation. The washer and ring have thus moved from'the position indicated in Fig. 8' to that of Fig. 9.; One of the arms of the ring now bears against the opposite face of rib 93.. The receptacle being the only force to rotate the shaft, and since there is no rotational lag of the receptacle with respect to the shaft, lift nut 86 will rotate downwardly of the threads 84 and, in so doing, will withdraw the lift cup88 from the bridge 81 and allow the surface 74 of the receptacle base to come into contactwith the brake disks 51.

Although applicant has shown and described only one form of a complete domestic laundering machine with which the present invention has operative association,

it'will be understood that the invention, in its present or modified form, may be utilized with other machines of this class and that any such modifications or changes are considered to be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention insofar as they 'are set out in the annexed claims.

Having thusset forth my invention, what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis and axially movable into and out of posi tion for rotation, a housing in the central base portion of'said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing a motor driven shaft having'an end projecting into said housing, means in said housing for axially moving said receptacle into position for rotation and for rotating said receptacle,

said means comprising a rotatable lift member carried by said shaft end and movable'axially byrotation of said shaft'to engage said housing and axially move said receptacleinto position for rotation, a disk clutch in said housing actuable by said member upon rotation of said shaft to transmit rotation of said shaft to said recepmember. 1

6. Means for axially moving a receptacle that is rotatable about a vertical axis and for rotating said receptacle,

the operative effectiveness thereof in accordance. the rotational speed of said receptacle.

2. in a washing machine, a receptaclerotatable about a vertical axis, a housing in the central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of the receptacle'forming at least one of the walls of said housing said receptacle being axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a motor driven shaft having an end extending into said housing, a rotatable lift member carried by said;

shaft end, clutch means in said' housing operable to transmit rotation of, said shaft in one direction to said receptacle, means operable byr-rotation of said shaft in said direction to axially move said lift member to raise receptacle into position for rotation and said clutch. means into an operative position, and other means for varying the effective operative position of said clutch' means in accordance with the rotational speed of said said receptacle.

3. In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about 7 a vertical axis, a housing forming the central base portion of said receptacle, a motor driven shaft extending a into said housing and being supported against axial dis-j placement, a lift member located within said housing, means mounting said member on said :shaft for axial 1 movement with respect thereto, a multiple disk'fclutch carried by-said'member, means yieldingly connecting said clutch with the base portion of said receptacle,

said last mentioned means, when 'saidshaft rotatesiin a given direction, being operable by 'axi'al movem ent of said 'lift member and said clutch to effect a gradually increasing'rotation of said receptacle up to synchronous speed with said shaft. 4. Ina washing machine having .a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis and axially movable into and out of'position' for rotation, a housing in the central base,

portion of said receptacle, the bottornof said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing a motor driven shaft having an end extended'into said housing and being supported against axial displacement, means in said housing comprising a rotatable lift member having threaded engagement with and being supported by said shaft end for axial movement relative thereto, clutch means carried by said member operable to transmit rotation of said member to said receptacle,.means for initially limiting said member to axial movement to engage and move said receptacle :into positionjfor rotation upon rotation of said shaftin' a given direction, and other meansoperable to progressively engage said clutchmeans and effect rotation ,of said receptacle by said shaftf 5. In a washing machine having a receptacle rotatable about a vertical-axis, said receptacle having an at-rest position on a suitable support in said machine and being axially movable into a raised position for rotation a cen trally recessed member secured along its margins to the bottom of said receptacle, said member and the receptacle bottom cooperating to form a depending housing, means in said housing for raising and rotating said receptacle comprising oneend of a motor driven shaft mounted against axial displacement, a rotatable lift memoer mounted on said shaft end, said member being sequentially movable axially of said shaft to engage and raise said receptacle and, thence rotatable with said shaft, a clutch carried by said member and operable to transmit rotation, of said shaft to said receptacle, and means for progressively engagingsaid clutch whereby to efiect rotation of said said means comprising a driven shaft, a rotatable lift member-mounted on and having threaded engagementwith an end portion. of said shaft for axial movement relative thereto, said member, upon initial rotationof said shaft,

being axially movable and: adapted to engage and move;

receptacle at the rate of rotation of said said receptacle into position for rotation, mechanism rotated by said shaft engageable with and adapted to rotate with said member upon given axial movement of said member, clutch means carried by said member and operable to transmit rotation of said member to said receptacle, and means associated with said clutch means operable to vary the operative effectiveness thereof in proportion to the speed of rotation of said receptacle.

7. In a washing machine having a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, means for rotating said receptacle comprising a driven shaft, a receptacle lift member carried by said shaft, said member being axially movable of and rotatable with said shaft, clutch means carried by said member, yieldable means connecting a part of said clutch means with said receptacle, said yieldable means being operable on said clutch means to vary the effective engagement thereof as between said receptacle and said member in proportion to the speed of rotation of said receptacle.

8. In a washing machine having a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, said receptacle being axially movable into a position for rotation, a housing in the central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing, means within said housing for axially moving said receptacle into position for rotation and for rotating said receptacle, said means comprising a driven shaft extending into said housing, a lift member carried by said shaft, said member being axially movable of and rotatable with said shaft, clutch means carried by said member, yieldable means connecting a part of said clutch means with said receptacle, said yieldable means being initially effective to cause said member to move axially of said shaft to engage and move said receptacle into position for rotation, means on said shaft operable to transmit rotation of said shaft directly to said member when said member has axially moved, said yieldable means being operable on said clutch means to vary the operative effectiveness thereof as between said member and said receptacle in proportion to the speed of rotation of said receptacle.

9. In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, said receptacle being axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a housing in a central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing, a motor driven shaft having an end projecting into said housing, clutch means within said housing for transmitting rotation of said shaft to said receptacle, a receptacle lift member threaded on said shaft end, said member, when said shaft is rotated, being axially movable of said shaft and sequentially engaging and moving said receptacle into position for rotation and engaging said clutch means whereby to effect such rotation.

10. In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, said receptacle being axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a housing in a central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing, a motor driven shaft having an end projecting into said housing, clutch means within said housing for transmitting rotation of said shaft to said receptacle, a receptacle lift member on said shaft end, said member, when said shaft is rotated, being initially moved axially thereof to engage and raise said receptacle and engage said clutch means and then rotating with said shaft whereby to transmit rotation of said shaft to said receptacle through said clutch means.

11. In a Washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis and axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a housing in the central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the Walls of said housing, a supported motor driven shaft having one end projecting into said housing, means contained entirely within said housing for efiecting axial movement of said receptacle into position for rotation and for rotating said receptacle, said means comprising structure carried by said shaft end engageable with said housing, and a clutch operable to transmit rotation of said shaft through said structure to said housing when said structure has moved said receptacle into position for rotation.

12, In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis and axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a housing in a central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing, a motor driven shaft having an end projecting into said housing, shaft supported means in said housing for axially moving said receptacle into and out of position for rotation and for rotating said receptacle, said means comprising a rotatable lift member mounted on said shaft and a clutch carried by said lift member operable to transmit rotation of said shaft to said receptacle, means operable upon rotation of said shaft in one direction, to actuate said lift member to axially move said receptacle into position for rotation and said clutch into operative position, said last means being further operable, upon rotation of said shaft in the opposite direction, to axially withdraw said lift member from engagement with said receptacle and enable movement of said receptacle out of position for rotation and render said clutch inoperative.

13. In a washing machine having a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, said receptacle having an at-rest position on a suitable support in said machine and being axially movable into a raised position for rotation, a housing in the central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the walls of said housing, means contained in said housing for raising and rotating said receptacle comprising a motor driven shaft mounted against axial displacement and having one end projecting into said housing, a receptacle lift member threaded on said shaft end, said member being sequentially movable axially of said shaft to engage and raise said receptacle and rotatable with said shaft, and clutch means carried by and operable to transmit rotation of said member to said receptacle when said member has been moved axially of said shaft to a given extent.

14. In a washing machine, a receptacle rotatable about a vertical axis, said receptacle being axially movable into and out of position for rotation, a housing in the central base portion of said receptacle, the bottom of said receptacle forming at least one of the Walls of said housing, a motor driven shaft having one end projecting into said housing, said shaft being supported against axial displacement, a lift member in said housing having threaded engagement with said shaft end and having limited axial movement with respect thereto when said shaft is rotated, said lift member, when said shaft is rotated, being engageable with and adapted to move said receptacle into position for rotation, and clutch means in said housing for transmitting rotation of said shaft through said lift member to said receptacle when said receptacle is in position for rotation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,634,238 Sinclair June 28, 1927 2,161,604 Watts June 6, 1939 2,361,767 Hays Oct. 31, 1944 2,411,960 Dyer Dec. 3, 1946 2,485,623 McNairy Oct. 25, 1949 2,690,825 McWethy Oct. 5, 1954 

